Vandals have smashed part of a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster on Merseyside.
A gang targeted the stonework around the commemorative garden in Port Sunlight, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Residents of the Wirral village have spoken of their shock at finding an "absolute scene of devastation."
The memorial area was built by Unilever shortly after the stadium disaster 20 years ago and is situated near the Grade II listed Lady Lever Art Gallery.
Police arrived on the scene within minutes after being called by local residents, but the vandals had already run off.
Wirral Detective Inspector Andy O'Connor said:
"This is completely unacceptable behaviour, and something that we will not tolerate.'
"We have no idea what the motive is behind this incident, but we will do all that we can to find the individuals responsible.'
"This is a despicable attack on a memorial and the people who carried out this attack have shown complete disrespect for those who lost their lives and their families."
Margaret Aspinall of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, who lost her 18-year-old son James in the tragedy, said:
"It is an absolute disgrace. They don’t know how many people they are upsetting, and if they do, they should be ashamed of themselves.'
"It is a lovely memorial, and it was so kind of them to do it for the 96.'
"It means a great deal to the families on that side, as well as ordinary members of the public."
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